Is the AliExpress Shelly Gen 4 Worth It? Side-by-Side Comparison
Verified by BuyOrSwipe methodology v1 on 2026-05-17
Yes — if you need the Zigbee variant specifically and can wait 15–45 days for shipping. No — if you require verified seller history or immediate support.
Last verified May 17, 2026 · Tracked over 0 days
How do we know it's the same product?
Where they actually differ
- AliExpress listing title mentions Zigbee variant specifically, while the Shelly Gen 4 series includes multiple SKUs (Wi-Fi, Zigbee, etc.) — buyer should confirm the specific connectivity variant needed
- No store name/reputation data available to assess counterfeit risk, though Shelly branding, packaging, and 3-year warranty badge appear authentic in the image
| Spec | Original (Shelly Gen 4 Series) | AliExpress Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Price | See review | $49.38 |
| Rating | — | 4.93 (0 reviews) |
| Shipping | Varies | See AliExpress shipping options |
| Warranty | Manufacturer warranty | AliExpress buyer protection |
| Materials | See review | Shelly 2PM Gen4 Zigbee 2 Channel Smart Switch Matter Control Curtains Nlinds Power Metering Compatib… |
Frequently asked questions
Is the AliExpress version really the same product?
The listing displays Shelly branding, matching packaging, and a 3-year warranty badge consistent with official Shelly 2PM Gen4 imagery. However, the seller has zero recorded ratings, which makes independent verification of authenticity difficult. The specs — dual-channel switching, power metering, Zigbee connectivity, HomeKit/Alexa/Google Home support — align with the documented Gen4 product line. Treat this as a likely-authentic unit from an unverified seller, not a confirmed authorized sale.
How long does shipping take?
Standard AliExpress shipping from China takes 30–45 days for most destinations. If the seller ships from a European warehouse (look for the AliExpress Choice badge and 'Ships from' indicator on the listing), delivery to EU addresses can drop to 10–20 days. UK and US buyers should expect the longer 30–45 day window unless a local warehouse is explicitly stated.
What if it arrives damaged or doesn't work?
AliExpress Buyer Protection covers most orders if you open a dispute within the protection window — typically 15 days after the stated delivery date. Document the unboxing with video before installing the unit. Because this is an electrical device, a DOA claim is more straightforward to file than a post-installation failure claim, so test it before wiring.
Does the Shelly 2PM Gen4 Zigbee work with HomeKit, Alexa, and Google Home?
Yes — the listing explicitly states compatibility with Alexa, HomeKit, and Google Home. The Zigbee variant integrates via a Zigbee hub (such as Home Assistant with a Zigbee coordinator, or a Zigbee-compatible hub); it does not connect directly to Wi-Fi. Confirm your existing hub supports Zigbee 3.0 before purchasing, as Matter-over-Thread and Wi-Fi variants have different integration paths.
Does it work with Home Assistant?
The Shelly Gen4 Zigbee is compatible with Home Assistant via Zigbee2MQTT or ZHA, provided you have a supported Zigbee coordinator. The Hook Up has covered Shelly Gen4 integrations in past videos, noting local control capability without cloud dependency. No account or Shelly Cloud subscription is required for local operation in Home Assistant.
Is this the Zigbee or Wi-Fi version, and does it matter?
This specific AliExpress listing is the Zigbee variant. This matters significantly: the Zigbee version requires a Zigbee hub and does not connect directly to your router, while the Wi-Fi variant connects independently. If your smart home setup is Wi-Fi or Matter-based rather than Zigbee, you would need a different SKU from the Gen4 series.
What does the 2PM dual-channel feature mean, and does it work for curtains and blinds?
The '2PM' designation means the device has two independently controlled power channels, each with power metering. This makes it suitable for curtain and blind motors that require separate open and close control signals. The listing specifically calls out curtain and blind control as a supported use case, and this matches Shelly's documented 2PM Gen4 functionality.
Does the power metering feature require a subscription or cloud connection?
Shelly's power metering data is accessible locally via the device's API and through Home Assistant integrations without a cloud subscription. The Shelly Cloud app offers additional history and remote access features, which are free at the basic tier. No evidence suggests the AliExpress unit would be locked out of these features, though purchasing from an unverified seller means no guarantee on firmware version at shipment.